Adobe Air issue

What Open Source apps on GNU/Linux need Adobe Air? I don't know any. If Open Source devs want to make new app for any mobile device, they will do that without Adobe Air. ;)

bbc iplayer thats a pretty major one. Whether or not is open source is just a cop out. Ubuntu Restricted Extras cover all such anomalies. The fact is, if Linux is going to be a viable alternative to windows, you need to address it. Not quite sure where you are, but most people cannot exist without iplayer and other such facilities. Not doing anything is a backward step after all the ground gained over windows

Adobe Air is proprietary to Adobe. Adobe and ONLY Adobe can make Air for Linux. BBC iPlayer website streams content flawlessly here. You don't need any extra applications.

If Adobe release the code (unlikely) tjen a client can be made. It's not a cop out at all.

adobe reader s proprietary to adobe. Got around that on.I'm talking to a brick wall here

Yes but Adobe reader has an application developed and fully supported by Adobe so is completely different. If you want to throw attitude around, at least be correct so that intelligent people can't shoot you down.

In short, you are moaning in the wrong place. You should be contacting Adobe to express your desire for a rerun of Air. If they see enough demand then they will supply it. Personally I doubt it will happen but stranger things have happened.